BIODIVERSITY GENOMICS EUROPE WP4

High Mountain Systems -

Arthropod sampling with Malaise traps

SOP

First version: 23 June 2023

Last version: 07 November 2024

Laura Nájera-Cortazar [BIOPOLIS-CIBIO]

Sónia Ferreira [BIOPOLIS-CIBIO]

Vanessa Mata [BIOPOLIS-CIBIO]

Introduction 2

Sampling Design 3

Permits and documentation 5

Before starting 6

Setting Malaise traps and sample collection 8

Shipment 11

Registering samples in PlutoF Go app 12

and guide interventions to address its decline. The objective is to establish functioning

biodiversity genomics networks, data generation and pipelines to characterize biodiversity, and

to improve management intervention and biomonitoring programs by practical application of

genomic tools.

Arthropod biodiversity is mostly unknown and highly understudied, despite its importance for

ecosystem functionality (Outhwaite et al., 2022; Srivathsan et al., 2023). Studies have identified

that insect biodiversity changes are mostly driven by intensive human land-use and climate

change (Outhwaite et al., 2022), but how these factors interact under different systems is

unclear. Identifying the drivers of arthropod biodiversity loss requires allocating resources for

species discovery, and understanding how community composition is shaped worldwide

“High Mountain Systems - Arthropods” case study is designed to evaluate how arthropod and

pollinator communities change (species diversity and composition) along altitudinal gradients in

selected mountain systems in Europe, showcasing the use of DNA-based tools.

For this Case Study, sampling will be carried out in mountain systems of different European

countries representing different biogeographic settings. Malaise traps (Figure 1) will be placed in

For each Mountain range, an altitudinal gradient will be sampled, setting Malaise traps at five

elevation sites (Figure 2). The selection of these sites should be done according to each

mountain system’s characteristics, i.e. including representative vegetation of each gradient.

Sampling should start at the highest point accessible (or feasible to access every week), and

then go down at regular intervals. A pair of Malaise traps will be placed per site/elevation, at

least 50 m from each other. Malaise traps will operate for a total of 20 weeks, with samples

collected from each trap at weekly intervals. From each pair of traps, one sample will be used

for characterising the arthropod community using DNA metabarcoding; and the other sample

will be used as a backup to the former, in case of damage or other operational issue, or as a

will give a total of 200 bulk samples per mountain range that will be sent for DNA metabarcoding

analyses. Please note that once removed from the Malaise trap, sample tubes should not be

reopened for any reason to avoid contamination. Store the samples safely at room

temperature and avoid light exposure.

The PlutoF platform (Kessy et al. 2010) will be used as a workbench for processing the

metadata. It includes a mobile app, PlutoF Go, that will be used for data entry during fieldwork.

A set of 250 stickers with unique QR codes will be supplied to each partner institution (200 + 50

extra) for adding them to each collection tube, prior to sampling. More information regarding

E. Sticky labels with predefined QR codes (provided by BIOPOLIS-CIBIO)

F. Transparent tape (to provide extra fixation for the sticky labels on the tube)

G. Cable ties

H. Hammer

I. Gray duct tape

J. Extra stacks

It is highly important to make sure all the permits and necessary documentation are ready

before sampling. To prevent any delays, check regulation and start processing your permits as

soon as possible.

vehicle, budget, personnel, a fixed day of the week for collection, etc.), to consider habitat

characteristics, sampling location, storing equipment, obtaining all necessary

It is advisable to have more than one site chosen for each altitudinal gradient, when possible, as

a backup site. This is particularly relevant if the sites selected for this project are new for the

team, as is important to consider anthropogenic factors that may disrupt the traps, like hiking

visitors, private landowners, cattle, vandalism, etc.

Malaise traps ordered for the BGE project contain a plastic grid (located in the collection

mechanism in the top of the trap) that comes within the trap. For the High Mountain System

sampling it needs to be removed prior to setting the trap. Otherwise arthropods larger than the

size of the grid will not be sampled. In Figure 3 is shown an example of how to remove the

tubes and reinforced with tape prior to sampling. Partner’s coordinators must be registered in

the PlutoF platform (“Become a user”: Register → fill in details) in order to have access to the

corresponding project (High Mountain Systems - “name of partner institution”) when using the

into the platform (Menu “Persons” → Add → fill in details) if the collector will be a person that will

be only involved in fieldwork. Make sure you have downloaded the app and enter your personal

data correctly. Further information on PlutoF Go is given on page 13. Support will be provided

whenever needed before, during and after the fieldwork (see contact details at the

end of this document).

The design of the trap relies on insects being attracted to the highest and brightest part of the

trap. When setting up the trap, ensure that the part that collects the insects (the trap head) is

facing uphill. Ideally, position the trap perpendicular to the path of insect flight, in areas with

minimal undergrowth, such as forest edges, clearings, or elevated locations. Take into account

the trap poles to a 1 m - 1.5m stake or post at the highest points to prevent the trap from

toppling over. Use gray tape to reinforce the joints of the trap's metal frame and increase its

stability and resilience (Figure 4, right).

structure in the front (i.e. the tent-like metal structure) is parallel to the tail structure support. To

ensure the entrance is fully open, imagine you are an insect and fly into the trap towards the

trap head (Figure 5), making sure that there is a clear path/entry to the collection tube at the top

of the trap). Check to not over-stretch the mesh, as this will most likely block the path too.

Once the trap is set (Figure 6, left), carefully attach the BGE.HMS labeled collection tube tightly